The Desert Island Investor

Mark Atkinson and Paul Kerin
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  • Investing

The Desert Island Investor podcast is a series of podcasts that document the experiences and strategies of private investor Mark Atkinson. Mark's long-term investments have enabled him to become financially independent and to retire at the comparatively early age of 53. The stocks that Mark reviews on this channel are from his real portfolio and not a 'virtual' portfolio, so these are genuine win-some, lose-some stories. We hope that you'll also enjoy our regular feature 'Question in a Bottle' where Mark answers listeners' questions about investing.

  1. 18h ago

    Nichols PLC (NICL). My visit to their 2026 AGM

    Nichols plc (ticker symbol NICL) is the business behind a number of popular beverage creations most notably the classic soft drink brand Vimto. Mark took a position in the company a few years ago and he recently attended their 2026 AGM to see how things are going. Now Vimto is mixed with water and Mark is currently underwater with his investment, but despite that sarcastic comment from me, he remains confident that the business has a promising future. Links Nichols PLC: https://www.nicholsplc.co.uk The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morningLicense code: L0TLWWJDT28JVSTX Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

    32 min
  2. Charities. Should PLCs be giving away investors money?

    May 13

    Charities. Should PLCs be giving away investors money?

    In this episode of the podcast Mark bemoans the practice of corporate charity donations and how giving his money away affects the value of his investments. Paul proposes an independently assessed 'Charity Hygiene' rating to help members of the public see at a glance if a charity has a good or poor record of utilising donations appropriately. Desert Island Discord is a series of podcasts where private investor Mark Atkinson talks about the aspects of investing that really grinds his gears. If your own investment journey has been tainted by some poor practice that you think Mark should drag through the mud in a future episode, use the form on our website at https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk to recommend a topic. Desert Island Discord and The Desert Island Investor are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY). Sword Fight SFX: FunWithSound.  Desert Island Discord intro music by Paul Kerin and The Parrots of the Caribbean. (c) 2026 Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

    52 min

  3. Apr 27

    I talk emigration, money and tax with financial adviser Niall Allardice

    If Britain's current economic climate is making you think seriously about moving abroad, you'll be interested in hearing the wisdom of today's guest castaway, Niall Allardice. Niall is a professional financial adviser who works for financial management firm Blevins Franks. He specialises in helping pioneers from the UK get their banking, investments and tax obligations in order as they transition to a new life overseas. Links Blevins Franks: https://www.blevinsfranks.comniall.allardice@blevinsfranks.com The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Parrot jungle: soundbytez. Jet aircraft passing overhead: reinsamba. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morningLicense code: L0TLWWJDT28JVSTX Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

    1h 25m

  4. Mar 29

    Titon Holdings (TON). My review of the 2026 AGM

    In previous episodes of the podcast about Titon Holdings PLC we've focused on Mark's concerns about the way that the board was dealing with some of the causes of the company's decline. However, after attending this year's AGM Mark has not only returned with a souvenir coffee mug, but he is also in a far happier mood. To find out what action the company has taken to cause his renewed optimism, assuming it's not just getting a free mug, listen to this, episode 45 of the Desert Island Investor.  Links: Titon: https://www.titon.com The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morningLicense code: L0TLWWJDT28JVSTX Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

    41 min
  5. Boycotts. How cherry-picking is stifling investment in good products

    Mar 8

    Boycotts. How cherry-picking is stifling investment in good products

    Desert Island Discord is a series of podcasts where private investor Mark Atkinson talks about the aspects of investing that really grinds his gears. In this episode he discusses the problems caused for businesses when consumers cherry-pick things to boycott based on out-of-date information and moral flexibility. If your own investment journey has been tainted by some poor practice that you think Mark should drag through the mud in a future episode, use the form on our website at https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk to recommend a topic. Desert Island Discord and The Desert Island Investor are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY). Sword Fight SFX: FunWithSound.  Desert Island Discord intro music by Paul Kerin and The Parrots of the Caribbean. (c) 2026 Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

    32 min

  6. Feb 27

    Fundsmith. My review of the 2026 ASM fresh from the event

    Fundsmith, under the guidance of portfolio manager Terry Smith, invest in equities on a global basis. Mark has been invested in Fundsmith for many years and regularly attends their annual shareholder meetings. In this episode he reports back from the 2026 event in London. Links:Fundsmith: https://www.fundsmith.co.ukThe Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morningLicense code: L0TLWWJDT28JVSTX Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

    29 min

  7. Jan 29

    The 2025 James Halstead AGM. A review of the stock and my microphone moment!

    James Halstead is a UK-based manufacturer and distributor of commercial flooring products. They offer high-quality vinyl flooring solutions under their flagship brand Polyflor, plus they are the company behind 12 other well known brands in the commercial flooring market. The company was formed in 1915 and went public in 1948 where it has gained considerable kudos for having raised its investor dividend for 49 consecutive years. In this episode of the podcast Mark provides an updated review of the company and explains why he took the unusual step of commandeering the microphone at the 2025 AGM. Links: James Halstead: https://jameshalstead.com The Desert Island Investor is generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY): Waves: juskiddink. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/peaceful-morningLicense code: L0TLWWJDT28JVSTX Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

    33 min
  8. Secrets. Is hiding bad news from investors a cloak for insider dealing?

    Jan 19

    Secrets. Is hiding bad news from investors a cloak for insider dealing?

    Desert Island Discord is a new series of confrontational podcasts from The Desert Island Investor Mark Atkinson. In Mark's regular podcast he reviews his own stocks, but in these episodes he will be talking about some of the more negative aspects of the world of investing that really grinds his gears. In this episode 'Secrets' he exposes the reluctance of many PLCs to keep private investors promptly informed about issues that can negatively impact on their ROI. The topics discussed include the late issuance and irregular timing of RNS notices and the increased likelihood of insider dealing taking place when a privileged group of investors is closer to the business than anyone else. If your own investment journey has been tainted by some poor practice that you think Mark should drag through the mud in a future episode, use the form on our website at https://www.thedesertislandinvestor.co.uk to recommend a topic. Desert Island Discord and The Desert Island Investor are generously hosted by London City based analysts Progressive Equity Research at https://www.progressive-research.com. You'll also find us on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and all leading podcasting channels. Created by Mark Atkinson | Produced by Paul Kerin | SFX from Freesound (CC-BY) Sword Fight: FunWithSound.  Desert Island Discord intro music by Paul Kerin and The Parrots of the Caribbean. (c) 2026 Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is provided for general information only and the opinions expressed by Mark, his guests and the producers of the podcast do not constitute financial advice. Before purchasing financial products it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional financial advisor.

    24 min
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About

The Desert Island Investor podcast is a series of podcasts that document the experiences and strategies of private investor Mark Atkinson. Mark's long-term investments have enabled him to become financially independent and to retire at the comparatively early age of 53. The stocks that Mark reviews on this channel are from his real portfolio and not a 'virtual' portfolio, so these are genuine win-some, lose-some stories. We hope that you'll also enjoy our regular feature 'Question in a Bottle' where Mark answers listeners' questions about investing.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Atkinson and Paul Kerin
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mark Atkinson and Paul Kerin
  • Show Website
    The Desert Island Investor

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